HARTFORD >> Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has signed a bill into law banning the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors.

The Democrat signed the legislation on Tuesday. Scheduled to take effect Oct. 1, the new law prevents minors from purchasing an “electronic nicotine delivery system” and other vapor products that have become popular recently.

The legislation also makes it illegal to sell, give or deliver e-cigarettes to a minor. Violators will face the same penalties for providing tobacco cigarettes to minors.

Malloy has been a supporter of the ban, saying Connecticut “cannot wait for federal action on this issue.” Malloy contends that use of vapor products by minors could lead to nicotine addiction by encouraging young people to ultimately use tobacco products.